In addition to one of our most read articles about the influence of Hokusai‘s iconic The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife on a whole new genre called Tentacle Erotica (shokushu goukan 触手強姦, aka. Tentacle Rape, Tentacle Hentai or Tentacle Porn) we have included more exciting examples below (Beware: some of these images are very graphic!).

What is Tentacle Erotica?

In contrast to shunga, which is an art form, tentacle erotica is a kind of pornography. It is originated in Japan and merges conventional pornography with components of bestiality, fantasy, horror and science-fiction.

Tentacled Beings

Tentacle erotica is often added to horror or hentai animations, with tentacled beings (often imaginary creatures) involved in sexual acts, mostly with females. In some cases, the portrayed intercourse is consensual but most of the time the emphasis is on rape.

Films

This exploitative genre is rather popular in Japan, and therefore subject of parody. Partly because of the internet, Japanese films (Fig.1) that feature tentacle erotica have also become popular in the West among genre devotees. Elements of tentacle erotica can also be found in the furry fandom.*

History

The earliest examples of tentacle erotica, long before animated pornography, can already be found in the 18th century book illustrations of ukiyo-e masters such as Kitao Shigemasa and Katsukawa Shuncho. But the most famous one is without a doubt the illustration from the 1814 novel Kinoe no komatsu, written and illustrated by Katsushika Hokusai, commonly known as The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife (Fig.2).

Sarah and Octopus

This so-called shunga design has been reworked by countless artists over the centuries. A wonderful contemporary example is the woodblock print designed by Masami Teraoka called Sarah and Octopus/Seventh Heaven‘ (2001) from the series ‘Waves and Plagues‘ (Fig.3).

Fig.3. ‘Sarah and Octopus/Seventh Heaven‘ (2001) from the series ‘Waves and Plagues‘ by Masami Teraoka (Photo source: abbatefineart.com)

Abalone Diver Tamatori

There is an interesting discrepancy between the western audiences, who experience Hokusai’s image as an involuntary encounter, and the Japanese of the Edo period who saw it is as consensual. The latter would have understood the dialogue that expresses the mutual enjoyment of both the diver and the octopuses. They also would have recognized the print as a reference to the legend of the female abalone diver Tamatori.

Fig.4. ‘The heroine Tamatori, who has entered the Dragon King’s Palace, swimming through the waves holding an outstretched sword and the Treasure Pearl, while being chased by the Dragon and all kinds of sea creatures.’ (originally published in the 1840s) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Price Euro 525,-)

Dragon King

In this tale, Tamatori steals a jewel from the Dragon King (Fig.4). When she escapes she is chased by the Dragon King and his sea-life minions (including octopuses).

Obscenity

Contemporary censorship in Japan dates to the Meiji period. These so-called “obscenity” laws are still in force today but how this term is interpreted has not remained constant. Exposed genitalia are still illegal but the variety of acceptable sexual acts is now broad in comparison with other progressive countries.

Toshio Maeda

The artist Toshio Maeda (Fig.5), one of the pioneers within the tentacle porn industry, found a handy way around the “obscenity” law. Instead of creating sensual scenes between humans, he included creatures with tentacles. Their “penis” tentacles were just part of the creature, who don’t have a gender. Toshio noted: “You know, the creatures, they don’t have a gender. A creature is a creature. So it is not obscene – not illegal.”

Fig.5. Sketch by Toshio Maeda (Source: Luccafan.com)

No Puritanical Codes at Shunga Gallery

Anyway, no puritanical codes at this section of the world wide web. At Shunga Gallery you can enjoy this sensual phenomenon in all its graphic detail…

If you haven’t checked out the previous article on tentacle erotica with over 140 mesmerizing images and 4 video’s you can click HERE...!!!

Following this article there were a number of members who unsubscribed from our bulletin. Therefore, we would really appreciate it if you could let us know your thoughts on these kind of articles in the comment box below!

*Furry fandom is a subculture interested in anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics.

The people who unsubscribed from the Shunga Gallery were really stupid. They originally signed up for Japanese erotic art. Well, this my friends, is erotic art, and hentai or tentacle porn is inclusive within this wonderful website. If you cannot handle this type of art, then go stick your head in a hole or watch FOX News you twits.
Sterling

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